BLOWN AWAY. Residents inspect the extent of damage brought about by the strong winds that hit Kabacan, North Cotabato on Saturday afternoon (Dec. 9, 2023). The winds destroyed at least 80 houses made of semi-concrete and light materials, affecting 278 individuals. (Photo by Kabacan LGU)
KABACAN, North Cotabato – The local government here has started giving food aid and non-food items to families affected by strong winds over the weekend that damaged at least 83 homes, an official said Monday.
Mayor Evangeline Guzman said the municipal social welfare office has distributed potable water, tarps, sleeping kits, and housing materials to affected 278 residents over the past two days.
“Good enough nobody was hurt, our LGU is attending to their needs,” Guzman said in a statement, referring to the residents of Katidtuan, Osias, Lower Paatan, and Malamote villages.
Rosalie Budoy, acting municipal disaster risk reduction and management council (MDRRMC) officer, said damaged houses included those made of semi-concrete and light materials when the strong winds struck at about 3 p.m. Saturday.
She said the strong winds also damaged crops in Barangays Katidtuan and Osias, both rice-producing villages. This town is known as the rice granary of the province.
The local government is still validating the extent of damage to its agriculture industry.
The incident occurred as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration forecast generally fair weather across the country over the weekend with no signs of tropical cyclone formation in the Western Pacific Ocean, the Philippine Sea, and the South China Sea. (PNA)
